Vehicle Cargo Strap Tension Feedback for Loading Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Improper loading and tensioning of cargo in vehicles, especially in autonomous vehicles, lead to safety risks and accidents due to shifting cargo, reduced operating hours for loading, and insufficient time for proper strapping, which can result in accidents and damage during transportation and unloading.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that uses processing circuitry to obtain cargo and vehicle information, determine a pack plan with planned strap tension, and adjust current strap tension in real-time to match the planned tension, including the option to repack cargo and stop the vehicle if necessary, utilizing tension sensors for accurate data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cargo is loaded quickly to meet reduced operating hours at loading stations, then productivity increases, but cargo may not be properly strapped and tension may be insufficient, leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading speedVSAvoidcargo securing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic monitoring and adjustment of strap tension through sensors and control mechanisms that operate without human intervention. The computer system automatically detects tension deviations and triggers adjustments, allowing the cargo securing process to self-regulate and maintain reliability even during rapid loading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors strap tension using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control system. When tension deviates from the planned values in the pack plan, the system automatically adjusts the straps to restore proper tension, ensuring cargo securing reliability is maintained throughout transportation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If strap tension is not monitored and adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but cargo may shift during transportation causing safety accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcargo stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical tensioning and monitoring with automated electronic sensors and computer-controlled adjustment mechanisms. Tension sensors, actuators, and a computer system work together to automatically maintain proper strap tension, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while ensuring cargo stability throughout the journey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual cargo loading is performed without automated tension control, then ease of operation is improved, but tension consistency deteriorates leading to cargo movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading operation easeVSAvoidtension consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic monitoring and adjustment of strap tension through sensors and control mechanisms that operate without human intervention. The computer system automatically detects tension deviations and triggers adjustments, allowing the cargo securing process to self-regulate and maintain reliability even during rapid loading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts strap tension parameters based on real-time sensor data and comparisons with planned tension values from the pack plan. The computer system controls actuators to modify tension levels, ensuring consistent and accurate tension application throughout the transportation process, thereby maintaining cargo stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4470833A1Computer system and method for handling tension of at least one strap arranged for strapping cargo in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4470833A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4470833A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4470833A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer system (500) for handling tension of at least one strap arranged for strapping cargo in a vehicle (100). The computer system (500) comprises processing circuitry (502) configured to: - obtain cargo information; - obtain vehicle information; - determine, based on the cargo information and the vehicle information, a pack plan, wherein the pack plan comprises a planned tension; - determine to start loading the cargo in the vehicle (100) and using the planned tension; - obtain information about a first current tension of the at least one strap when the loading is finished and before the vehicle (100) drives; - compare the planned tension and the first current tension; and to - determine to initiate a first action when a result of the comparison indicates that the first current tension is different than the planned tension.